Updated unit e flashcards

digestion The mechanical and chemical breaking down of ingested food.

absorption The passage of digested nutrients from the gut lumen into the blood or lymph.

elimination The expulsion of indigestible residues from the body.

mouth The beginning of the digestive tract; chews and moistens food with saliva.

hard palate The bony front part of the roof of the mouth.

soft palate The muscular back part of the roof of the mouth.

uvula The small fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate.

tonsils Lymphoid tissues on the sides of the throat that help fight infection.

teeth Structures in the mouth that mechanically break down food.

enamel The hard outer surface layer of a tooth.

dentine The dense, bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth beneath the enamel.

pulp The soft center part of a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

incisors Teeth for biting; located at the front of the mouth.

canines Teeth for tearing; located beside the incisors.

premolars Teeth for grinding; located behind the canines.

molars Teeth for crushing; located at the back of the mouth.

wisdom teeth The final molars that may not erupt properly.

cavities Tooth decay caused by bacteria producing acids.

plaque A film of bacteria on teeth that can lead to cavities.

fluoride A mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay.

gum disease Inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis.

gingivitis Inflammation of the gums causing redness and swelling.

periodontal membrane The lining of the tooth socket.

periodontitis Advanced gum disease causing bone loss and tooth loosening.

salivary glands Glands that produce saliva.

saliva A fluid containing water, mucus, and enzymes, which moistens food.

parotid Largest salivary gland, located below the ears.

sublingual Salivary gland located under the tongue.

submandibular Salivary gland located under the lower jaw.

salivary amylase Enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch into maltose.

pharynx The region behind the mouth that leads to the esophagus.

bolus Chewed food mixed with saliva ready to be swallowed.

nasopharyngeal openings Openings from the nasal cavity to the pharynx.

trachea The windpipe; a tube leading from the pharynx to the lungs.

epiglottis A flap of tissue that covers the glottis during swallowing.

larynx The voice box; located at the top of the trachea.

glottis Opening of the larynx covered by the epiglottis during swallowing.

esophagus A muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.

mucous membranes Layers lining the esophagus that secrete mucus.

mucosa The innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract.

submucosa The layer of connective tissue beneath the mucosa.

muscularis propria Muscle layer in the esophagus responsible for peristalsis.

peristalsis Rhythmic contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

cardiac sphincter Muscle valve between the esophagus and stomach.

vomiting The expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.

stomach A J-shaped organ that churns and mixes food.

inner gastric glands Glands in the stomach lining that produce gastric juice.

gastric juice A mixture of pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

pepsinogen Inactive enzyme converted to pepsin in the stomach.

hydrochloric acid Gives the stomach its acidic pH, aiding digestion and killing bacteria.

pepsin An enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.

acid chyme Semi-liquid food mass produced in the stomach.

inner wall Produces mucus to protect the stomach lining.

mucosal cells Cells that secrete mucus in the stomach lining.

ulcer Open sore in the stomach lining caused by acid.

pyloric sphincter Valve controlling the emptying of the stomach into the duodenum.

duodenum The first part of the small intestine.

jejunum The middle part of the small intestine.

ilium The last part of the small intestine.

bile A green fluid produced by the liver that emulsifies fats.

common bile duct Duct that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum.

gallbladder Organ that stores bile.

bile salts Components of bile that break down fats.

pancreas Organ that produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate.

pancreatic duct Duct that carries pancreatic juice to the duodenum.

pancreatic amylase Enzyme that digests starch to maltose.

trypsin Enzyme that digests proteins to peptides.

lipase Enzyme that digests fats into glycerol and fatty acids.

interstitial glands Glands in the small intestine that produce digestive enzymes.

villi Finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients.

microvilli Folds on the surface of villi that increase absorption area.

lacteal Lymph vessel in each villus that absorbs fats.

hepatic portal vein Vein that carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver.

liver Organ with multiple functions including detoxification and bile production.

urea A waste product formed in the liver from ammonia.

colon The main part of the large intestine.

rectum Last section of the large intestine leading to the anus.

feces Indigestible food residues expelled from the body.

gastrin Hormone that stimulates gastric juice secretion.

secretin Hormone that stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate.

CCK Cholecystokinin; hormone that stimulates enzyme and bile release.

GIP Gastric Inhibitory Peptide; hormone that inhibits stomach activity.

nutrition The study of food and its relationship to health.

vitamins Organic compounds essential for normal body function.

minerals Inorganic elements needed for various body functions.

macronutrients Nutrients needed in large amounts, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

micronutrients Nutrients needed in small amounts, such as vitamins and minerals.